Independent network interfaces for virtual network environments

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to providing network independent network interfaces. One embodiment includes a networking system. The networking system includes a physical networking device connected to one or more underlying networks. A primary switch and a secondary switch are each connected to the physical networking device. A connectivity module creates a root interface for a first device. Virtual network interface cards (vNICs) are added to the root interface by the connectivity module. The root interface is a single access point for accessing the underlying networks. The first device is a virtual machine (VM) or a server with more than one network interface.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to virtual networks includingnetwork interfaces, and in particular, providing network independentnetwork interfaces.

A virtual network appliance (VNA) is a virtual machine (VM) thatprovides specialized networking services. When a VNA has multiplevirtual network interface cards (vNICs), each vNIC must be connected toan appropriate virtual switch or virtual-switch port. Each vNIC may alsorequire connectivity with different network properties, such as virtuallocal area network (VLAN), or Internet Protocol (IP) Subnets.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to providing network independentnetwork interfaces. One embodiment includes a networking system. Thenetworking system includes a physical networking device connected to oneor more underlying networks. A primary switch and a secondary switch areeach connected to the physical networking device. A connectivity modulecreates a root interface for a first device. Virtual network interfacecards (vNICs) are added to the root interface by the connectivitymodule. The root interface is a single access point for accessing theunderlying networks. The first device is a virtual machine (VM) or aserver with more than one network interfaces.

Another embodiment comprises a method that includes creating a rootinterface in a first device in a network system. Virtual networkinterface cards (vNICs) are added to the root interface. The firstdevice executes network services on the root interface. The rootinterface is a single access point for accessing a plurality ofunderlying networks.

Another embodiment comprises a computer program product for providingnetwork independent network interfaces. The computer program productcomprising: a computer readable storage medium having computer readableprogram code embodied therewith. The computer readable program codecomprising: computer readable program code configured to create a rootinterface in a first device in a network system. Computer readableprogram code is configured to add virtual network interface cards(vNICs) to the root interface. The first device executes networkservices on the root interface. The root interface is a single accesspoint for accessing a plurality of underlying networks. The first deviceis one of a virtual machine (VM) and a server with more than one networkinterfaces.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a virtual network system foremploying an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a virtual network system providingnetwork independent network interfaces, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for creating a root interface, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another flow diagram for creating a root interface,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a process for providing networkindependent network interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description of cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded, automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active consumer accounts). Resource usage canbe monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for boththe provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). Theconsumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructureincluding network, servers, operating systems, storage, or evenindividual application capabilities, with the possible exception oflimited consumer-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication-hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10, there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computerreadable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal withcomputer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or aspart of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of avariety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic,optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signalmedium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computerreadable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or anysuitable combination of the foregoing.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one ormore networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should beunderstood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12.Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers,redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems,tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as private, community,public, or hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms, and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In oneexample, IBM™ zSeries™ systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction SetComputer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries™systems, IBM xSeries™ systems, IBM BladeCenter™ systems, storagedevices, networks, and networking components. Examples of softwarecomponents include network application server software. In one example,IBM WebSphere™ application server software and database software. In oneexample, IBM DB2™ database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, xSeries,BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.)

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 64 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.Consumer portal provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management providescloud computing resource allocation and management such that requiredservice levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning andfulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloudcomputing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated inaccordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 66 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtualclassroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transactionprocessing; and network interface independent connectivity. As mentionedabove, all of the foregoing examples described with respect to FIG. 3are illustrative only, and the invention is not limited to theseexamples.

It is understood all functions of the present invention as describedherein are typically performed by the network independent networkinterface system 500 (FIG. 5), which can be tangibly embodied as modulesof program code 42 of program/utility 40 (FIG. 1). However, this neednot be the case. Rather, the functionality recited herein could becarried out/implemented and/or enabled by any of the layers 60-66 shownin FIG. 3.

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, theembodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented withany type of clustered computing environment now known or laterdeveloped.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a networking systemincludes a physical networking device connected to one or moreunderlying networks. A primary switch and a secondary switch are eachconnected to the physical networking device. A connectivity modulecreates a root interface for a first device. Virtual network interfacecards (vNICs) are added to the root interface by the connectivitymodule. The root interface is a single access point for accessing theunderlying networks. The first device is a virtual machine (VM) or aserver with more than one network interfaces.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating a virtual network system 400for employing an embodiment of the present invention. The virtualnetwork system 400 includes a platform hardware 410 (e.g., a server, acomputer, etc.) that includes physical NICs, such as physical NIC 1 435and physical NIC 2 435. The physical platform 410 is connected tonetwork 1 420 via physical NIC 1 435 and connected to network 2 425 viaphysical NIC 2 435. The physical NIC 1 435 is connected to a virtualswitch (VS) 1 440, and the physical NIC 2 435 is connected to a VS 2445. The VS 1 440 is connected to a vNIC 1 460 of the VM 450, and the VS2 445 is connected to the vNIC 2 465 of the VM 450. It should be notedthat multiple VMs may be connected to the network 1 420 and the network2 425 through other VS's and physical NICs of the platform hardware 410.

A virtual machine manager (hypervisor) allows multiple operating systems(e.g., VMs, such as VM 450) to run concurrently on a host computer,e.g., platform hardware 410. A hypervisor provides abstraction ofphysical resources to the VMs (e.g., VM 450). For example, the physicalNIC 1 435 is abstracted as the vNIC 1 460, and the physical NIC 2 435 isabstracted as the vNIC 2 465. A VM (e.g., VM 465) may be configured withmultiple vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 460 and vNIC 2 465) that each connect todifferent networks (e.g., network 1 420 and network 2 425). A VS (e.g.,VS 1 440, VS 2 445) is a software abstraction of an Ethernet switch inthe hypervisor for providing connectivity for VMs (e.g., VM 450).

It is important to connect a vNIC (e.g., vNIC 1 460 and vNIC 2 465) toappropriate VS's (e.g., VS 1 440 and VS 2 445) to ensure desiredconnectivity. In one example, consider an error case in which vNIC 1 460is assigned an IP from the network 1 420 subnet and mistakenly connectedto the VS 2 445. In this case, the VMs connectivity to network 1 420 isbroken. A virtual network appliance (VNA) is a VM that providesspecialized networking services. When a VNA has multiple vNICs, it isimportant to connect each vNIC to an appropriate VS or VS port. EachvNIC may require connectivity with different network properties, such asVLAN, IP-subnets, etc. One way to provide connectivity is to manuallynote down a media access control (MAC) address of each vNIC and connectto the appropriate VS or VS port. For example, if a vNIC is connected toa port in VLAN (e.g., port x) then, care should be taken to assign vNICsan IP address in that VLAN to ensure connectivity. If there are manysuch VNAs; this becomes a difficult task. Additionally, sometimes VMs donot obtain consistent information from a hypervisor upon a reboot. A MACaddress assigned to one vNIC may get assigned to a different vNIC aftera VM reboots. This situation breaks the VNA's operation if the MACaddress is used to map some services/information in its configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram illustrating a virtual network system500 including a connectivity module 510, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The virtual network system 500 includes aplatform hardware 410 (e.g., a server, a computer, etc.) that includesphysical NICs, such as physical NIC 1 435 and physical NIC 2 435. Thephysical platform 410 is connected to network 1 420 via physical NIC 1435 and connected to network 2 425 via physical NIC 2 435. The physicalNIC 1 435 is connected to a VS 1 440, and the physical NIC 2 435 isconnected to a VS 2 445. The VS 1 440 is connected to a vNIC 1 560 ofthe VM 450, and the VS 2 445 is connected to the vNIC 2 565 of the VM450. It should be noted that multiple VMs may be connected to thenetwork 1 420 and the network 2 425 through other VS's and physical NICsof the platform hardware 410.

In one embodiment, the connectivity module 510 creates a root interface520 for the VM 450, and adds multiple vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2565) to the root interface 520. In this embodiment, the root interface520 is a single access point for accessing the underlying networks(e.g., network 1 420 and network 2 425), and the VM 450 executes networkservices on the root interface 520. In one example, instead of the VM450 being used for adding the multiple vNICs, the connectivity module510 uses a server with more than one network interface and adds the rootinterface 520 with the network interfaces being connected to the rootinterface 520 similarly as shown with the VM 450.

In one embodiment, the root interface 520 comprises a logical parentinterface for all vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565). The vNICscomprise child interfaces of the root interface 520. In one example, theconnectivity module 510 provides for connecting a vNIC (e.g., vNIC 1560, vNIC 2 565) added to the root interface 520 to any VS or VS port inthe network system. In this example, the added vNIC is considered as a“leaf” of a tree where the root interface 520 is considered a “root” ofthe tree. In one example, the vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565)connectivity is transparent to the underlying networks (e.g., network 1420 and network 2 425), and the VM 450 may communicate to all of theconnected networks (e.g., network 1 420 and network 2 425) via the rootinterface 520.

In one embodiment, the root interface 520 is the single point forentry/exit for accessing multiple underlying networks (e.g., network 1420 and network 2 425) through its children. In one example, based onthe use of the root interface 520 and children vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560,vNIC 2 565), there is no need to keep track of vNICs' connectivity tothe underlying networks. In one example, an administrator may connectone vNIC to each VS or VS port and assign network properties (e.g., IP)to the root interface 520.

In one embodiment, the connectivity module 510 provides for the VM 450receiving a packet comprising a MAC address, creating a table formapping the MAC address to vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565), andselecting a vNIC for communicating to an underlying network (e.g.,network 1 420 and network 2 425) based on a destination address. In oneexample, internally generated broadcast packets from the VM 450 areforwarded to all child vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) withoutforwarding broadcast packets between the child vNICs. In one example,upon a vNIC being added to the root interface 520, the vNIC learns andmaintains information about the underlying network. In one example, theinformation may include a MAC address, an IP address, etc. In oneexample, the information is used to choose which vNIC to reach (i.e.,communicate) in an underlying network. In one example, the vNIC learnsthe MAC address from received packets and maintains a table that mapsMAC addresses to vNICs. In one example, the table is used to select anegress vNIC based on a destination MAC address. Internally generatedbroadcast packets (e.g., address resolution protocol (ARP) packets) areforwarded to all child vNICs. In one embodiment, internally generatedbroadcast packets are never forwarded between child vNICs.

In one embodiment, creating the root interface 520 comprises theconnectivity module 510 using a device driver. In one example, thedevice driver provides adding other vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565)as child interfaces to the root interface 520. In one example, a packetreceived on a child vNIC (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) passes throughthe root interface 520 prior to reaching an operating system (OS)networking stack of the VM 450.

In one embodiment, creating the root interface 520 comprises theconnectivity module 510 using a bridge module or device in support of akernel bridge infrastructure. In one example, the bridge module ordevice creates a bridge interface and adds and removes ports to and fromthe bridge interface. The bridge interface acts as the root interface520. The vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) are added as ports of thebridge module or device and are child interfaces to the root interface520. The kernel bridge infrastructure is modified to prevent theforwarding of broadcast packets between bridge ports.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for a process 600, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Process 600 relates to using a devicedriver for creating a logical root device (i.e., root interface 520),which may add other logical devices (e.g., vNICs) as children. In oneembodiment, a packet is received by the system (e.g., system 500) atblock 610. At block 620, it is determined whether the targeted inputdevice is a child vNIC (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565). If it wasdetermined that the target input device is not a child vNIC, then theprocess 600 proceeds to block 650. If it is determined that the targetedinput device is a child vNIC, the packet is input to the parent device(e.g., root interface 520) at block 630. The source MAC address islearned at block 640 and the flow proceeds to block 650.

In block 650, the packet is input to the network stack. At block 660,the network stack processes the received packet(s). In one embodiment,packets input to child vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) pass throughthe parent device (e.g., the root interface 520) before reaching anoperating system (OS) networking stack of the networking system (e.g.,system 500). In this embodiment, the OS interprets that the packet wasreceived on the root interface 520. Since network properties areassigned to the root interface 520, the rest of the processing isperformed as if the packet is received on the root interface 520. Thisenables the VM (e.g., VM 450) to perform network operations independentof the vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) connectivity. Similarly, theOS uses the root interface 520 to send packets. In one example, the rootinterface 520 device driver selects a child vNIC based on the learnedinformation (e.g., MAC address, IP address, etc.) to vNIC mapping. Theroot interface 520 then uses a child vNIC to send one or more packetsout.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram for a process 700, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Process 700 relates to using a bridgemodule or device for creating a logical root device (i.e., rootinterface 520), which may add other logical devices (e.g., vNICs) aschildren. In one example, the bridge module or device is available onexisting OSs, for example, LINUX/BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution).In this case, the kernel bridge infrastructure is used to form aparent-child relationship between a root device (e.g., the rootinterface 520) and vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565).

In one embodiment, the following components/functions support the flowdiagram 700. The bridge module or device is supported in the kernel. Abridge-utility tool manages the bridge module operations, such ascreating a bridge interface, add/remove ports to/from the bridgeinterface, and the network properties (e.g., IP addresses) are assignedto the bridge interface and are reachable via all ports of the bridge.In one embodiment, the bridge interface acts as the root interface, andvNICs are added as ports of the bridge and act as the children. Thebridge learns the MAC address on each port and selects a proper vNIC foregress packets. Kernel space software is required to modify normalbehavior of the bridge. This software implements netfilter hooks andperforms the following: a) prevents forwarding of broadcast packetsbetween bridge ports; and b) sets the source MAC of an egress packet toa corresponding MAC address of a vNIC. With the use of the abovecomponents/functionality, a network independent vNIC may be provided forin Linux/BSD VMs.

In one embodiment, a packet is received from the network stack of thesystem (e.g., system 500) at block 710. At block 720, the root interfacedevice is created. In block 730, it is determined whether the packet isa broadcast packet. If it is determined that the packet is a broadcastpacket, the process 700 proceeds to block 740, otherwise the process 700proceeds to block 750.

In block 740, the destination MAC address is looked up in a table tofind the associated vNIC. Once the associated vNIC is found, the packetis sent to the associated vNIC. This assures that the source MAC addressis the egress vNIC for the MAC address. In block 750, the receivedpacket is duplicated and sent to all children vNICs. In block 760, thepackets are output to the appropriate vNIC.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 800 providingnetwork independent network interfaces according to one embodiment. Inprocess block 810, a root interface is created in a first device (e.g.,VM 450) in a network system (e.g., system 500), for example, by theconnectivity module 510 of system 500 shown in FIG. 5. In process block820, vNICs (e.g., vNIC 1 560, vNIC 2 565) are added to the rootinterface (e.g., root interface 520). The first device executes networkservices on the root interface, and the root interface is a singleaccess point for accessing underlying networks (e.g., network 1 420 andnetwork 2 425).

In block 830, a packet is received including an address, such as a MACaddress, an IP address, etc. In block 840, a table is created formapping the address to the added vNICs. In block 850, a vNIC is selectedfor communicating packets based on a destination address (e.g., a MACdestination address). In block 860, internally generated broadcastpackets are forwarded to all child vNICs of the root interface. In oneexample, a vNIC added to the root interface is connected to any VS or VSport in the network system, and the vNICs' connectivity is transparentto the underlying networks. In one example, creating the root interfacein process 800 further includes using a device driver. The device driverprovides adding other vNICs as child interfaces to the root interface,and a packet received on a child vNIC passes through the root deviceprior to reaching an operating system (OS) networking stack.

In another embodiment, process 800 further includes creating of the rootinterface by: providing a bridge module in support of a kernel bridgeinfrastructure, managing bridge module operations using a bridge utilitytool, creating a bridge interface, and adding and removing ports to andfrom the bridge interface. In this example, the bridge interface acts asthe root interface, and the vNICs are added as ports of the bridgemodule and are child interfaces to the root interface. In one example,the kernel bridge infrastructure is modified to prevent the forwardingof broadcast packets between bridge ports.

The system 500 may include one or more source programs, executableprograms (object code), scripts, or any other entity comprising a set ofcomputer program instructions to be performed. When the system 500includes a source program, then the program is usually translated via acompiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not beincluded within a storage device. These computer program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devicesto function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored inthe computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture includinginstructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the programfor use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for examplebut not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, propagationmedium, or other physical device or means that can contain or store acomputer program for use by or in connection with a computer relatedsystem or method.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the programfor use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for examplebut not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, propagationmedium, or other physical device or means that can contain or store acomputer program for use by or in connection with a computer relatedsystem or method.

More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readablemedium would include the following: an electrical connection(electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette(magnetic or optical), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), aread-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber(optical), and a portable compact disc memory (CDROM, CD R/W) (optical).Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or anothersuitable medium, upon which the program is printed or punched (as inpaper tape, punched cards, etc.), as the program can be electronicallycaptured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or othermedium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitablemanner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

In one embodiment, where the system 500 is implemented in hardware, thesystem 500 can be implemented with any one or a combination of thefollowing technologies, which are each well known in the art: a discretelogic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functionsupon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gatearray(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention.

Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from thespirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thisdisclosure and the present invention and protected by the followingclaims.

1. A networking system comprising: a physical networking device coupledto one or more underlying networks; a primary switch and a secondaryswitch each coupled to the physical networking device; and aconnectivity module that creates a root interface for a first device,wherein a plurality of virtual network interface cards (vNICs) are addedto the root interface by the connectivity module, the root interface isa single access point for accessing the underlying networks, and thefirst device is one of a virtual machine (VM), and a server with morethan one network interfaces.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rootinterface comprises a logical parent interface for all vNICs, and thevNICs comprise child interfaces of the root interface.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the connectivity module provides for: connecting a vNICadded to the root interface to any virtual switch (VS) or VS port in thenetwork system, wherein the vNICs connectivity is transparent to theunderlying networks; receiving a packet comprising an address; creatinga table for mapping the address to vNICs; and selecting a vNIC forcommunicating to an underlying network based on a destination address,wherein internally generated broadcast packets are forwarded to allchild vNICs without forwarding broadcast packets between the childvNICS.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein creating of the root interfacecomprises the connectivity module using a device driver, wherein thedevice driver provides adding other vNICs as child interfaces to theroot interface, wherein a packet received on a child vNIC passes throughthe root interface prior to reaching an operating system (OS) networkingstack.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein creating the root interfacecomprises the connectivity module using a bridge module in support of akernel bridge infrastructure, the bridge module creates a bridgeinterface, and adds and removes ports to and from the bridge interface,wherein the bridge interface acts as the root interface, the vNICs areadded as ports of the bridge module and are child interfaces to the rootinterface, and the kernel bridge infrastructure is modified forprevention of forwarding of broadcast packets between bridge ports.6-14. (canceled)
 15. A computer program product for providing networkindependent network interfaces, the computer program product comprising:a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program codeembodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising:computer readable program code configured to create a root interface ina first device in a network system; and computer readable program codeconfigured to add virtual network interface cards (vNICs) to the rootinterface; wherein the first device executes network services on theroot interface, and the root interface is a single access point foraccessing a plurality of underlying networks, wherein the first deviceis one of a virtual machine (VM), and a server with more than onenetwork interfaces.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15,wherein the root interface comprises a logical parent interface for allvNICs, and the vNICs comprise child interfaces of the root interface.17. The computer program product 16, further comprising: computerreadable program code configured to connect a vNIC added to the rootinterface to any virtual switch (VS) or VS port in the network system,wherein the vNICs connectivity is transparent to the underlyingnetworks; computer readable program code configured to receive a packetcomprising an address; computer readable program code configured tocreate a table for mapping the address to vNICs; computer readableprogram code configured to select a vNIC for communicating to anunderlying network based on a destination address; and computer readableprogram code configured to forward internally generated broadcastpackets to all child vNICs without forwarding broadcast packets betweenthe child vNICS.
 18. The computer program product 15, wherein creatingof the root interface comprises using a device driver, wherein thedevice driver provides adding other vNICs as child interfaces to theroot interface, wherein a packet received on a child vNIC passes throughthe root device prior to reaching an operating system (OS) networkingstack.
 19. The computer program product 15, wherein creating of the rootinterface comprises: providing a bridge module in support of a kernelbridge infrastructure; managing bridge module operations using a bridgeutility tool; creating a bridge interface; and adding and removing portsto and from the bridge interface, wherein the bridge interface acts asthe root interface, and the vNICs are added as ports of the bridgemodule and are child interfaces to the root interface.
 20. The computerprogram product 19, the kernel bridge infrastructure is modified forprevention of forwarding of broadcast packets between bridge ports.